Acquired zinc deficiency in association with anorexia nervosa: case report and review of the literature

• Published in: Pediatric dermatology Vol. 9; no. 3; p. 268
• Main Authors: Van Voorhees, A S, Riba, M
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01-09-1992
• Subjects: Acrodermatitis - etiology; Acrodermatitis - metabolism; Adult; Anorexia Nervosa - complications; Anorexia Nervosa - metabolism; Facial Dermatoses - etiology; Facial Dermatoses - metabolism; Female; Humans; Zinc - deficiency
• ISSN: 0736-8046
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1525-1470.1992.tb00345.x

Zinc deficiency, whether a result of an acquired or inherited abnormality of zinc metabolism, is associated with characteristic cutaneous findings. The inherited variety is known as acrodermatitis enteropathica. We present a case of zinc deficiency secondary to starvation induced by anorexia nervosa. Since the cutaneous stigmata of zinc deficiency and anorexia nervosa can initially be subtle and occasionally overlap, we believe that screening zinc levels in patients with anorexia nervosa with prominent cutaneous findings should be considered.